Journey to the best viewpoints on Lake Wakatipu to see The Remarkables mountain range; some boat cruises stop for a swim and a picnic when weather permits. For a true Queenstown experience book an evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw - a comfortably-appointed vintage steamship that will whisk you to Walter Peak for dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. Or sit back and relax in the Spirit of Queenstown as it takes you on a scenic cruise towards the isolated Mt Nicholas High Country Farm. Enjoying Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from the water on a boat cruise is a quintessential New Zealand experience.

Queenstown is also 3.5 hours by road from the boat cruises of Milford Sound. Known for its spectacular fiords, waterfalls and wildlife encounters; getting out on the water in Milford Sound is a real must-do if you're nearby. You can experience a boat cruise in Milford Sound on a round-trip coach tour from Queenstown - however, it does make for a long day, and overnighting in Te Anau might make this a more enjoyable journey.